Field Master

A chance meeting in the woods and everything that Lucius Malfoy and his friends believe in will change

Chapter was inspired by "Come Join The Murder" by White Buffalo

A/ N; I wish to thank the talented Canimal for allowing me to borrow Walden's ravens. I have started a massive edit of Field Master. You'll find new material and fewer mistakes. Chapters five and six have been combined with what was once Beautifully Broken. As they contain pertinent information to the story.

When hounds hunt anything besides intended quarry, it is called a riot; the rate used is "Ware riot."

Chapter one Ware Riot February 1965

It had all started out he supposes innocent enough. A gentleman's sport that is, hunting. One of his fondest memories with his father was, riding to the hounds, trailing behind the sizeable black warmblood on his little white hunt pony.

Lucius had crept downstairs the night before. Quietly making his way down the long dark hallway, careful not to wake the portraits. He could hear his parents voices down in the study and hid behind the door to spy on their argument.

His mother had insisted he stay home, "He is just a boy, are you listening to me Abraxas, I will not have him involved in this!.. This new friend of yours should not be dictating how we raise our son! Just who does he think he is?. . . . . Who is he to decide what my son is mature enough to handle?"

Silence followed, he thought his father might concede and tell him he had to stay home. His mother's voice trembled. And Lucius peered through the crack in the door; he could see the tears beginning to form in her eyes. He scowled thinking that would be it, his mother's tears would seal his fate and doom him to forever riding at the back of the pack. Or worse yet, staying at the Manor. It was not fair he was eleven and would be off to Hogwarts in the fall. Lucius loved his mother, but he was tired of her treating him like a child. This was not his first hunt, and he was an accomplished horseman. Why was she so worried? He had hunted that forest before and was familiar with the terrain.

Abraxas would have none of it, "Nonsense Emmeline, he's a young man, and you will start treating him as such. Stop your coddling women, Lucius is going on this hunt and will be with me in the First Field, so you have nothing to fret over." glancing back at his wife he added 'The boy is quick and talented with a wand. . . . . Stop your fussing!"

A gasp escaped from Lucius he quickly placed a hand over his mouth, pride swelled in his chest. Not only was he going but he would ride in the front with his father.

Abraxas poured himself a drink, let out an exasperated sigh. He turned and leaned back against the bar. The famous Malfoy smirk on his lips, he faced his bride. Emmeline was as beautiful as the day he met her. And just as fierce. He had no doubts that she would hex his bollocks off, should anything happen to their little prince.

Emmeline stood toe to toe with him, glaring back at him. Her magic sparking. Tossing back the amber liquid, he scooped his fiery little witch against his chest with one arm and kissed a tight-lipped Emmeline, "Now Emmy if the boy dies, we can always make another." Abraxas waggled his eyebrows at her. Emmeline relaxed, giggling she slapped her husband playfully on the arm.

Then wrapping both arms around his neck, she returned the kiss. Abraxas set the drink down and buried his hands in her long dark curls.

Lucius rolled his eyes; he could not look, gross he thought, he was never kissing anyone. Pulling away from the tall frame of her husband, Emmeline pointed her finger at his face. Glaring up at him, her green eyes sparkled, and she growled a warning, "I know what you're doing on this hunt. . . . . And I know there is more than two this time. . . . . . So Abraxas, my love. . . . If you kill my only son, I'll set the Fates upon you!" His mother's voice echoed in the extensive study and brought his eyes back to the room.

He just caught the movement of her spinning on her heel and making for the door, blue robes a flurry. Abraxas grinned at the back of his passionate witch. He loved pushing her just to the edge.

"I'm not going to kill OUR son Emmeline!" Abraxas muttered under his breath "Knowing the purgatory you would have me endure if I did, I would join him in death."

His mother hesitated, looked back and sent a blistering glare at his father.

Lucius scrambled back up the stairs. His mother catching him out of bed was the last thing he wanted. Dashing back down the darkened hallway and diving beneath the heavy comforter, just in time to hear his mother's footsteps approaching his bedroom. The door creaked open, and he pretended to be fast asleep. Lucius kept his eyes closed and his breathing steady. While she brushed his hair from his forehead and kissed his cheek, she began to softly hum an old lullaby as she quietly shut his door.

Lucius was awake for hours, excited over the prospect of being in the front with his father. But it was the nagging thought as to why his mother was so worried tugging at the back of his mind. Was it the faster pace of the first field? This was the first time his father allowed him the privilege of riding up front. He wondered if his friends were joining him? Rodolphus had been riding up front for the last few seasons. But then he was two years older. He and his friends typically rode in the second group the Hilltoppers. The pace was not as fast and the danger not as high. Lucius thought he would never fall asleep. This was worse than waiting for Christmas morning.

.

His house elf Dobby woke him while the sky was still dark, freshly shined boots in hand. Lucius dressed quickly and raced down the stairs barely able to contain his excitement. At the foot of the stairs Lucius stopped, he knew he needed to pull himself together, or he would him give himself away. The last thing he wanted was for his father to find out he had been eavesdropping.

He paused in front of the mirror that stood in the hallway and adjusted his stock tie and surveyed his reflection, correcting his posture. He hid the excited little boy behind the mask of the Pure-Blooded Aristocrat. Cold grey eyes now stared back at him, his long blonde hair tied neatly, black hunt coat spotlighting the diamond-studded M tie tack and cream breeches. Lucius feeling his facade was in place, he squared his shoulders and made for the dining room. The tall black boots were clicking sharply on the marble floors.

He paused once more before opening the large ornate doors to the family dining room. Took a deep breath and greeted his father, "Good morning Father."

Abraxas was drinking coffee at the head of the table, reading the Quibbler. "Good morning Lucius, I hope you slept well."

Lucius poured some tea for himself and grabbed a scone, "Where's Mum? "

Abraxas looked up from his paper, "Your mother is pouting, she doesn't want me to take you hunting." Lucius paled, he felt his heart stop, there was no way his mother would forbid him from the hunt today.

"She's under the impression that you're too young for the activities that are taking place... I, however, think that you are old enough to learn such things. So not to worry, you are going... I am sure I will pay for it one way or another, but you are going. Let us finish up our breakfast and get out of here before she does show up." Abraxas grinned at his son and poured himself another cup of coffee.

Emmeline watched from the small window of the master bedroom. Her little boy would never be the same after this hunt. Father and son stepped out into cold dawn, and tears rolled down her cheeks. Abraxas had spared Lucius from the end game of the past Hunts. She knew there would be no stopping the progression.

The stars shone brightly above the blanket of fog clinging to the ground. Lucius followed his father down to the stables. With the flick of his wand, Abraxas illuminated the aisle ways of the barn. Soft whinnies and nickering of the horses met them, they both paused in the doorway and inhaled deeply.

Lucius loved the stables, the smell of fresh straw, and leather and best of all horses. Wally nickered as the lights came on and Lucius ducked inside his stall to slip the halter on. Wally was a snow-white Welsh Cob and the best pony as far as he was concerned. Wally nuzzled his young master as Lucius offered him sugar cubes he had nicked from the kitchens. He took Wally into the cobblestone aisle and placed him in the crossties.

He pulled the heavy winter blanket and started grooming his pony before tacking him up. This task was his responsibility, not the elves. Father had always insisted that a real Horseman knew how to care for his mount and had enrolled him in Wizard Pony Club. All his friends were in Pony Club. Backing a horse and playing Quidditch were two of the most important things a young pureblood wizard needed to learn at least as far as Lucius was concerned. He knew his mother had her own opinions. He gave Wally a once over with a cloth, carefully saddling, then putting his bridle on. He led his pony to the block and mounted up.

Lucius had spent three hours the night before just plaiting Wally's mane and cleaning his tack. Abraxas had done the same with his horse. It was their tradition as always, the night before the hunt. His father would help him with the spell to clip his ponies winter coat, so no lines would show and how to make the tiny neat braids into buttons. It was a time that was just for him; no house elves were rushing about. Just him and his father and the horses.

Dawn was breaking on the horizon as they started down the lane to the apparition point. The low fog still hugged the ground in places. Breath rose from both men and horses.

Wally had to jog to keep up with Maximillian, his father's intensely black and exceedingly large Dutch Warmblood. The very image of a battle charger. Max was a gift from Lord Daemon Nott.

At the top of the hill, Abraxas pulled out the portkey, a small horseshoe, and held out one end for Lucius. As his fingers touched the iron shoe, he felt the pull and dropped into a clearing in the Wyre Forest. Portkey was always most comfortable on the horses unless one was highly skilled at apparition and Lucius was still too young.

Abraxas started down the little dirt road that would lead to the rest of the group, "Lucius, there are a few things I want to talk about before we get to the site" he slowed Max down so that Wally could walk, "I want you to ride with the First Flight today. …It's a big step up, but I think you can handle it. You do need to stay with me at all times is that clear?"

"Yes, Father"A broad grin plastered on his face, Lucius was unable to contain his excitement.

"I want your wand in its holster but where you can reach it easily, and yes all of your friends will be with you." You are to pay attention at the briefing, and I want you boys to stick together is that clear? There are six in total that we're hunting today... the wards are up around the woods, so they can't escape once they're in."

"Yes Father," Lucius' heart began pounding in his chest. His fathers' tone melted the grin.

"Do you remember how to send up a signal?"

"Yes Father," Butterflies fluttered in his stomach.

"If by some chance, you get separated from the pack you are to stop and send up that signal."

"Yes... Sir," His voice caught in his throat, and his blood ran cold.

"Lucius if you are separated ... show no mercy. Our quarry will show you none." The look on his father's face sent a chill down Lucius back "Now go gather up your friends and come join the main group for the briefing." With that, his father turned Max toward the small group of men in red.

Lucius went to look for his friends amongst the growing crowd of riders.

His father was the Field Master of the Hunt; his word was law. Lucius knew his father had bestowed a great honor on him that day. This hunt was no ordinary hunt. Their quarry today was numerous and unconventionally dangerous. Lucius was not sure if he was ready for this.

He found Rabastan first, mounted on his dark bay Welsh Cob, Renni, with his neatly plaited mane matching Wally's. Both boys were the picture of the aristocracy. This being a Formal Hunt.

Nodding to one another, Lucius halted Wally next to Rabastan. "Good morning Bast." whispering.

"Morning Lu, My Father says we are all riding up front today and warned me to stay with the pack. What have you heard?"

Lucius responded in a hushed whisper, "I did hear father earlier, telling my Mother not to worry, that he would make sure I was safe and that there are six in the pack that they're sure of... Told me to keep my wand ready and to stick together. How about you? Did your father say anything else?"

'No, nothing besides the same warnings yours gave you...Can you believe we get to ride with the First Flight?" Rabastan laughed "Roddy's pissed, he's not so special now."

"There's a pack of them Bast, a pack! As in more than just two this time!"

Rabastans eyes widened slightly at that "Merlin!... Those bastards are dangerous enough when it's just one!"

Lucius raised an eyebrow and looked toward the dense woods, "I wonder how many are out there watching us, right now?" He smirks at Rabastan." Are you scared? I heard they like to eat wizard children."

'I'm not scared Renni's fast, and those hounds are vicious...And with Walden's birds we'll know where every single one of them tries to hide!" he snickered and looked toward their Huntsman Lord Macnair. A fierce man sitting on a sizeable dappled grey horse, his hounds babbling at its feet.

"Have you ever hunted more than one at a time Lu?"

"No, you?"

"No, guess we won't be playing cowboys, today will we?" Rabastan scrunched up his face. "Oh well, let's go find Rod."

The boys edged their ponies to the outside of the Field and spotted Rabastans elder brother Rodolphus. The Lestrange brothers were like bookends, both with brown curly hair and chestnut brown eyes

.

Rod sat his matching dark bay cob like a statue "I know you don't want to Lu, but you and Bast need to stick with me today. No John Wayne shite, and I don't want any grief about it!" Rod gave both boys a stern look.

Lucius smiled "That sounds like a great idea, doesn't it Bast?" Lucius rolled his eyes at Rabastan; He would let the older boy think it was his idea.

"Dolohov's are here." Lucius nodded toward the father and son approaching from the apparition point. Tall black Thoroughbreds in hand.

Antonin and his father split off from one another. His father Anatoly joining the other men while Antonin made his way to join the rest of the boys, now gathering.

"Morning gentleman, what's our plan?" he asks Lucius while tightening his girth and dropping the stirrups.

Antonin was tall for his age and his hair as black as his mounts with sharp, intelligent black eyes that reminded Lucius of a hawk.

Lucius edged his pony closer and leaned in, "Word has it there is a pack of six... We need to stick together. Father has the southside warded, so there is no escape but lots of cover."

Antonin grinned and nodded toward the twin ravens on Walden's shoulders "I see Walden's brought his Ravens this time." There were six more chattering in a tree and watching their young master.

The Yaxley's join the field. Already aboard twin chestnuts and as with the Dolohov's, the elder joined the men and Alexander met the boys.

Alexander Yaxleys red pony was in constant motion and danced beneath him, snorting with impatience. Xander as he preferred, was blond haired and green eyed and shared his pony's exuberance. "Morning, are we about ready? Sweet Merlin's hairy balls! I see Walden's brought his birds!' Things may get western for us mates."

Lucius acknowledged him with all the seriousness his ten-year-old face could muster he greeted the other boy.

"Morning mate, we have multiple quarry this morning, so we're sticking together. There will be no playing at cowboys today; it's too dangerous."

Lucius added addressing the group of boys, "When we get to the main group everyone spread out and listen up. I think there is a lot more going on. We gather at the back when they cast the hounds, and stay with me."

All eyes were on the platinum-haired boy speaking, and Lucius knew without a doubt that they would follow his orders. Rodolphus might be the eldest but Lucius was in charge, and everyone knew it.

Xander Yaxley loved cowboys and anything really to do with the wild west. His father, Simon had a few muggleborn friends from the Ministry. They had introduced him to films, western films, with cowboys. John Wayne and Clint Eastwood were his favorites, He had insisted on a chestnut pony. Just like John Wayne and had named him Rooster after his favorite movie of course. Xander had shared these adventures with his friends. Secretly they all loved cowboys.

Some hunts ended with them whooping and hollering and chasing the neighbor's cattle. That would not be the case today.

Girths double checked, and everyone mounted up. Nervous and excited, the boys made their way toward the group of red-coated riders.

They all nod a quiet salutation to their friend Walden. As was the Whipper-In, aiding his father with the hounds and now his Ravens. Walden sat next to his father, Conall Macnair. The Huntsman. His big dapple-grey cob stood quietly while the hounds darted beneath his feet. Walden was a large boy, already heavily muscled at an early age. Dark hair curled around his ears; he had the intelligent black eyes of a predator. One-day Walden would fill his father's boots and be The Huntsman. The boys know a Hunt is a serious business and they know Walden is working.

Theodore Nott and his father were the last to join up. Their Dutch Warmbloods were matching Max. Theo was Rod's age and had been at Hogwarts together over the previous two years. Both boys getting to come home on the weekend for the Hunt was a huge deal.

Lucius moved his pony to stand at his Father's side in time to hear the safety briefing. The other boys were dispersing amongst the other riders.

Noticing for the first time a new face, a man sat on a pale grey horse, an air of superiority around him. The strange man glanced at Lucius and winked at him.

Fourteen riders made up the First Flight with ten in the Hilltoppers. There would only be the two fields this morning. A small group of hunters for the group of prey they hunted.

Abraxas started his opening speech "Good morning gentlemen, I'll make this brief... Strong wards are set up around these woods, once we go in nothing is coming out until I drop them. If anyone finds himself alone, send up a signal. Do not try to engage the prey on your own. These are not ordinary muggles... These are Witch Hunters." Abraxas voice was now dripping venom "They know who we are and what we are capable of. It is our duty to the Wizarding World to eradicate these pests, which wish to stamp out our existence! These parasites that feed off our power!' We will end them; we will ride them down and bath in their blood!"

The red-coated riders cheered, and Abraxas gestured to the stranger on the pale grey horse.

"I would like to introduce our honored guest...Lord Voldemort. It was his suggestion that we include our sons in the First Field today... It was Lord Voldemort, who suggested our prey. More importantly was his counsel that our sons should bear witness to the power and superiority of Pure Blood Wizards." Abraxas voice trembled with rage as he spoke "The filthy muggles we hunt today have defiled and murdered a young witch, they raped her, they tortured her... and then they burned her. We have six-cornered in the southern part of the forest; there will be no mercy given, our sons will receive their first blooding!"

The last words were echoing in Lucius' ears. The full reality of the situation hit him; he would be there. This time it would not be clean.

This was a tradition going back to ancient times where the blood of an animal killed be smeared on a person's forehead and cheeks. The practice was done only on people who experienced their first kill on a hunt.

Witch Hunters were the prey. This was why his Mother had wanted him to stay home. Lucius had a bad feeling about this new Lord Voldemort. He knew of every Pure Blood family name in Europe and had never heard of Voldemort. The man was unmistakably British making the situation even more peculiar. Lucius had questions. Questions he wanted to be answered but knew better than to ask. Like who were these men and where did they come from? Why were they hunting a pack of witch hunters, hadn't they driven most of them out of Great Britain? But most of all, who was Lord Voldemort because he most certainly was not one of the Sacred Twenty-eight.

Abraxas nodded to Lord Macnair and with that he cast his hounds toward the forest. Walden's ravens took flight and disappeared into the dense woods. The group of riders moved along the road. No one spoke. The only sounds within the forest that morning was the creak of leather and the soft hoof beats of horses. Every creature in the woods held their breath while the hounds had their noses to the ground, searching. . . . . .

A burst of sound, breaks the silence and the first hound throws out the challenge, and soon the pack is in full cry. The scent of their prey clung to the brush and made for a fast pace. Hoofbeats pounded on the compact road as the riders chased the baying hounds.

The pack suddenly broke left, leaping the rock wall bordering the woods. Lucius pointed his pony's nose at the wall and bounded effortlessly into the dark trees. He looked back to see his father waiting for the last rider to clear the fence. Strong wards closed in around him, as Lucius attempted to slow his pony. Wally shook his head and took the bit, bounding ahead desperate for the lead.

As agile as a deer, Wally's stride never faltered as he charged into the woods. The bigger horses had slowed, and Lucius found himself at the front of the pack. Wally, of course, was an extraordinarily skilled hunt pony and followed the sounds of the hounds, and knowing his small master had a firm seat and a heart as brave as his own. Wally charged over ditches and wove his way at top speed through the thick trees.

Glancing behind him Lucius could see the rest of the boys had followed him, Xander was next to him now with Rod and Bast hot on his pony's tail, Antonin's Thoroughbred was gaining ground with Theo's big warmblood bringing up the rear.

They had stuck together successfully and failed at staying with the main field. Lucius cursed silently to himself. His father was going to kill him. The hounds must have picked up another line of scent and drafted from the main pack. He slowed Wally to a trot and called out "Hold hard," Pulling Wally up at the edge of a meadow.

They could hear the hound's pitch change. Their quarry was pinned down, somewhere very close. The boys sat silently, the blood in their veins running cold, they were alone and now separate from the main hunting party.

Lucius scanned the tree line and spotted the hounds at the base of a large oak. Just opposite of where they had stopped.

No one spoke as they fought to catch their breath. Ponies slick with sweat and breathing hard.

Rodolphus pulled his wand and started to raise it. He looked over at Lucius," We need to send for help, and you know it Lu! This is bad …. really bad!"

"Just hold off Roddy, for just one bloody minute all right, stop worrying about breaking a rule. Please." Lucius added, "Just give me a moment to think." Lucius hopped from his pony, loosened the girth and checked his pony's legs for any damage. This gave him the time he needed to gather his thoughts. "Let's cool the horses off and hang back here for a bit. Whatever has gone to ground over there is not going anywhere... Besides," he told the older boy "We don't want to attract any unwanted attention."

Theo had dismounted and was scowling at a loose shoe on his mounts front foot Removing his wand, he tapped the horse's foot and muttered "Inhaero est pes!" The shoe, now firmly in place Theo patted the horse's neck and whispered 'There you go Brutus. Better now?' The big horse rubbed his head against Theo and nipped at his leg.

"Hey, Lu?" Theo asked, "I think we should send up the signal."

Xander danced his red pony around Theos horse "Don't be a baby mate! This is the O.K. Corral! I say we go with wands blazing!"

"You're a bloody wanker... the O.K. Corral ended badly,' Theo rolled his eyes and mounted his horse. "And would you please control that beast!"

Xander laughed as Rooster pawed the ground and bounced on his front legs. Blowing and snorting he danced around the big warmblood.

"You and that dragon are a bloody menace!" Theo moved his stoic horse to stand quietly next to Antonin.

Antonin watched the hounds move around an old shed, partially covered by vines. Spotting the Ravens first and then Walden, "Hey Lu." Wordless, he nods to the left of the meadow.

Walden sat surveying the meadow with the eyes of a hunter at the edge of the woods. His Ravens were circling the oak. Spotting the rest of the boys, he backed his pony into the thick trees. The dappled coat was disappearing in the shadows of the forest while he made his way around to them.

Lucius approached Walden whispering, "Where is the rest of the party?"

Walden shook his head "The pack must have drafted in the woods... They have something pinned down in an old shed just under that tree." Pointing to the large oak, "I'll cast one of my birds, and we can find the main field again."

Walden made a trilling sound, and a large raven landed gracefully on his arm," Huginn will find my father and bring him here and in the meantime... I say we check out what's gone to ground!"

Walden grinned at Lucius, and without waiting for the other boy to respond. Walden pulled his wand and trotted his pony straight across the meadow and into the pack.

"Bloody hell! Walden!" Lucius groans, "Walden wait! My Father will kill me!" Lucius pulled his wand and trotted after the larger boy.

"Your father will kill us all anyway!" Xander added, "We might as well go out with our boots on, just like John Wayne!" The red dragon Xander called a pony snorted and reared up. Xander let out a "YeeHaa!" and charged toward Walden.

Lucius rolled his eyes at the other boy and headed after him.

Theo quickly mounted "I'm with Xander! Let's go get this bastard!"

Rabastan winked at his brother. His pony danced in anticipation "Yee Haa!" he called out and spun his pony, pushing him to full gallop after his friends.

"I said no John Wayne today... no cowboy shite!" Rodolphus said through his teeth. "All of you get back here and wait for our fathers! I mean it, I'm not joking!"

The other boys trotted their ponies past Rodolphus not making eye contact with the older boy. "I am the oldest you all need to listen to me... Are you listening to me? You pack of insolent brats!" Hissing in a fury, "I'll be telling Father Rabastan! And it's Tally Ho, not Yee Haw!"

Rodolphus stood alone in the woods glaring at the backs of his friends. His bay pony pawed the ground and shook its head "Even you Jasper? Fine but I refuse to Yee Haw." With an exasperated sigh, he let his pony take off in pursuit of the others.

Walden dismounted and ducked under the canopy of the tree. A tiny dilapidated shack, sat covered in wild roses and surrounded by baying hounds. Walden waded through the hounds and could see the scuff marks on the entrance. Indicating someone had recently opened the door. Rod was the last to pull up his pony. "If we're going to do this," he hissed at them "Then we need a plan of attack!"

"Right," Lucius pointed to Xander "To my left… Walden takes down the door, the rest of you fan out, and we'll let the hounds bum rush whoever is in there. …...How's that Roddy?"

"Like a half-arsed plan Lu." he smirked, "But at least it's a plan."

Lucius and Xander took up positions on each side of the door, wands drawn. Antonin, Theo, and Rod fanned out behind Walden.

Lucius gave Walden a signal, and with one mighty kick, the door crashed inwards. Clouds of dust billowed, and the hounds bolted through the entrance.

Lucius slipped in the doorway and broke to the right. His eyes were adjusting to the darkness; he could make out the top half of what looked like a cage and dark curly hair. Casting "Lumos!" He then called out "Walden get the hounds back!" Lucius rushed to the cage.

Huddled in the corner of a small cage was a young girl, shackles on her wrists and ankles. Lucius pointed his wand at the padlock. "Alohomora" and the lock fell away. He ducked into the cage, tapped the shackles with his wand, and pulled out a terrified and filthy young witch. The moment Lucius touched her, he could feel her magic.

Her clothing torn, blood smeared on her thighs, bruises covered her body. Lucius removed the dirty rag stuffed in her mouth. While Rodolphus held his flask of water to her cracked lips, removed his hunt coat and wrapped it around her thin frame. Scooping her up in his arms he carried her outside. Rodolphus sat beneath the oak with the girl curled protectively in his embrace, "My name's Rodolphus, and this is Lucius. You're safe now; we'll take care of you." He brushed her hair from her face and looked into the most beautiful honey colored eyes he had ever seen.

"Helen 'she whispered roughly "My name's Helen. Please you must get me away from here... we can't stay... they will come back... we have to go now."